There is no fixed rule when it comes to the perfect job application. Each one is unique and sets you apart from the competition.
But, there are some basic guidelines that you can adhere to when creating your perfect job application.
What would make your job application standout? More importantly, what would make your application memorable?
We’ve put together a shortlist of the best job application samples to help you decide what to include on your next application.
The Cover Letter
The cover letter is the first thing a potential employer will read about you. Like your resume, it is your chance to sell yourself to the reader and make a good impression.
Writing a cover letter is different than drafting a traditional essay. You aren’t asking someone to take a walk on the wild side with you; you’re trying to convince them of something more serious – that you’re the right person for the job.
Since the cover letter will be the first thing a hiring manager has access to, make sure that you put your best foot forward. Nothing will ruin your chances of getting a job more than a poorly written cover letter. If you’re having trouble figuring out what to put in your cover letter, here’s a shortlist of the most useful things to include:
- A short bio about yourself
- A specific list of the skills you have
- Your motivation for applying for the position
- A link to your online portfolio (if applicable)
- Your ideal employee profile
- A short description of the responsibilities you will be expected to shoulder
- Any relevant experience that will make you stand out
- A rough estimate of the salary you are looking for
As you are trying to convince a potential employer to give you a job, you should avoid using flowery language and long sentences. A clean and simple style carries a lot more weight than fancy words.
The Resume
While the cover letter focuses on your suitability for the job, your resume is your opportunity to showcase your skills. Your resume should be concise but also comprehensive enough to show your achievements and the progression of your career.
One of the biggest mistakes you could make on your job application is to include your resume in your cover letter. Your resume should stand alone and be a standalone piece of work – if you’re including it in a job application, it’s because you think it doesn’t stand on its own. Like a perfect cover letter, a perfect resume should be short and to the point.
The resume is also the place where you can highlight your skills and experience. Make sure that your resume is always up to date and that you have the necessary skills to fulfill the job you’re applying for. If you’re not sure what would be the best writing sample for your job application, consider including your resume.
The Portfolio
Your online portfolio is a great way to display the work you’ve done. It gives the employer a peek into your skills and allows them to judge you on your merits alone.
If you’re applying for a creative position, like graphic design or photography, you should include a portfolio filled with examples of your work. It makes you stand out from the crowd and shows that you’re the sort of person who can deliver on promises. If you are applying for a corporate job and don’t have a strong portfolio, you should mention it in your cover letter.
A portfolio is only as good as the work you put in it. Make sure that your portfolio is always up to date and that it includes every piece of creative work you’ve ever done. If you’re not sure what would be the best writing sample for your job application, include a link to your portfolio in your cover letter.
The Statements
There are certain roles within a company where you will need to provide some form of statement to demonstrate your competence. For example, if you’re applying for a role as a project manager, you will need to provide details on previous projects you’ve managed.
This is where you can include anything that is relevant to the position you are applying for. Think of the statements as a summary of all the skills you have that are relevant to the role. The statements should be short and to the point.
You can write a Statement for each position you apply for, or you can opt to write a generic one for all your applications. If you don’t have enough experience to write a statement for the specific job you are applying for, don’t sweat it – include a link to your generic statement in your cover letter and resume. Better to have an incomplete statement than no statement at all.
The Sample Application
No, we don’t mean your pants. Employers often ask potential employees to complete a simple employment application online. These applications are used to gather basic information about the applicant, like their date of birth, gender, and whether or not they have a criminal record. This is why they’re called sample applications – because they’re meant to provide an example of what an application looks like.
You don’t need to include a lot of content on a sample application. Make sure that the application is formatted according to the instructions and that you answer all the questions truthfully. The employer will then review the application and reach out to you if there is any further information they need.
The Psychological Test
These days, many companies and businesses use psychological tests to filter out the applicants that are unlikely to succeed in the role. If you are among the lucky individuals that were selected for an interview, you will likely be presented with a set of questions regarding the role you applied for and are now being considered for.
While it’s not necessarily a requirement to take a psychological test, doing so can greatly increase your chances of being offered the job. It doesn’t hurt to ask, either – but make sure you’re aware of what the test is meant to find out and that you’re not giving any false answers. Remember, whatever you put in is going to be used against you.
What would make your sample application stand out? Use this guide to write a winning application that will land you the job you want.